Fuel Surcharge of 38 Percent, Transport Minister: Ideal Figure

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that the maximum fuel surcharge, or additional fuel cost, of 38 percent imposed on aircraft tickets is an ideal figure. The government has discussed this with airlines serving domestic flights.

“Our aviation industry will not be hit too drastically, and the public’s purchasing power can still afford it,” Dudy said during a press conference at the Ministry of Economic Affairs office in Jakarta on Monday, 6 April 2026.

Fuel surcharge is an additional fee charged by airlines or logistics companies to consumers to cover spikes in fuel prices.

Previously, fuel surcharge was regulated under Ministerial Decree Number KM 7 of 2023, stipulating a maximum surcharge of 10 percent for jet-engine aircraft and 25 percent for propeller-engine aircraft. This time, the maximum fuel surcharge for both engine types is 38 percent.

This increase stems from a more than 60 percent surge in avtur (aviation fuel) prices at airports across Indonesia, due to rising global crude oil prices caused by the ongoing conflict between the United States-Israel and Iran. In March, avtur from PT Pertamina Patra Niaga was priced at Rp 13,656.51 - 15,737.82 per litre, while this month it has risen to Rp 22,707.92 - 25,632.39 per litre.

The fuel surcharge increase exceeds the request from the Indonesia National Air Carriers Association (INACA), which sought a rise to 15 percent for both jet and propeller aircraft. However, the government did not raise the upper limit to the 15 percent also requested by the airline association.

According to Dudy, the upper limit tariff was not increased because the government has waived import duties on aircraft parts. Last year, those duties amounted to Rp 500 billion.

The government has chosen to adjust to the rise in global oil prices, which also affects avtur. “It is hoped that in the medium term, this will also reduce the costs incurred by airlines,” he said.

To reach the public’s purchasing power, the government is also providing subsidies of Rp 2.6 trillion for aircraft tickets over two months. The subsidy targets the 11 percent Value Added Tax (VAT).